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                           S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K                   
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                                       11526--B                                
                                                                               
                                 I N  A S S E M B L Y                          
                                                                               
                                     May 31, 2002                              
                                      ___________                              
                                                                               
       Introduced  by  COMMITTEE ON RULES -- (at request of M. of A. P. Rivera,
         Klein, Green, Abbate, DiNapoli, Espaillat, Farrell, McLaughlin,  Phef-
         fer,  Tokasz)  --  read once and referred to the Committee on Economic
         Development,  Job  Creation,  Commerce  and  Industry   --   committee
         discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
         to  said  committee -- reported and referred to the Committee on Rules
         -- Rules Committee discharged,  bill  amended,  ordered  reprinted  as
         amended and recommitted to the Committee on Rules                     
                                                                               
       AN  ACT  to  amend the general business law, in relation to construction
         contracts                                                             
                                                                               
         THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
       BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:                                               
                                                                               
    1    Section  1.  Legislative  intent. The legislature finds that firms and
    2  organizations that provide construction services in  this  state  expect
    3  and  deserve  to  be  paid  in  a prompt and timely manner. By and large
    4  providers and receivers of such services contract freely  and,  in  good
    5  faith,  meet  their  obligations  in a timely and just manner. It is the
    6  intent of this legislation to address those situations in which, contra-
    7  ry to existing contracts, payments for approved  services  are  unjustly
    8  delayed. Unjustified delays in paying construction contractors and mate-
    9  rial  suppliers  may  discourage such firms and organizations from doing
   10  business in this state.  Consequently, it is the intent of  this  legis-
   11  lation to set default standards for the payment of bills on construction
   12  contracts  and  in  those  situations where payments are not made within
   13  time periods established in such contracts, authorize remedies including
   14  reasonable interest payments and circumstances for stop work provisions.
   15    Consistent with accepted business practices and with sound  principles
   16  of  construction  and fiscal management, it is the intent of this legis-
   17  lation to encourage parties to construction contracts to  make  payments
   18  at  least  as  expeditiously  as  existing contracts require and further
   19  reduce existing payment processing time wherever feasible, while at  the
   20  same  time  permitting  such entities to contract freely, perform proper
   21  and reasonable management and financial oversight activities designed to
                                                                               
        EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                             { } is old law to be omitted.                     
                                                                  LBD15137-17-2
                                                                               
       A. 11526--B                         2                                   
                                                                               
    1  ensure that construction services are provided in a safe, efficient  and
    2  fiscally prudent manner.                                                
    3    S  2. The general business law is amended by adding a new article 35-E
    4  to read as follows:                                                     
    5                                ARTICLE 35-E                              
    6                           CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS                         
    7  SECTION 756.   DEFINITIONS.                                             
    8          756-A. OBLIGATIONS.                                             
    9          756-B. REMEDIES.                                                
   10          756-C. RETENTION.                                               
   11          756-D. EXCEPTIONS FOR FAILURE OF LENDER TO DISBURSE FUNDS.      
   12          756-E. EXCEPTIONS FOR LOWER MANHATTAN RECONSTRUCTION.           
   13          757.   VOID PROVISIONS.                                         
   14          758.   SEVERABILITY.                                            
   15    S  756.  DEFINITIONS.  AS  USED  IN  THIS  ARTICLE:  1.  "CONSTRUCTION
   16  CONTRACT" MEANS A WRITTEN OR ORAL AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, RECON-
   17  STRUCTION,  ALTERATION,  MAINTENANCE, MOVING OR DEMOLITION OF ANY BUILD-
   18  ING, STRUCTURE OR IMPROVEMENT, OR RELATING TO THE EXCAVATION OF OR OTHER
   19  DEVELOPMENT OR IMPROVEMENT TO LAND, AND WHERE THE AGGREGATE COST OF  THE
   20  CONSTRUCTION PROJECT INCLUDING ALL LABOR, SERVICES, MATERIALS AND EQUIP-
   21  MENT  TO  BE  FURNISHED,  EQUALS  OR  EXCEEDS TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND
   22  DOLLARS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT  SHALL
   23  NOT  INCLUDE ANY SUCH CONTRACT MADE AND AWARDED BY THE STATE, ANY PUBLIC
   24  DEPARTMENT, ANY PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, ANY  PUBLIC  CORPORATION  OR
   25  OFFICIAL  THEREOF,  OR  A  MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OR OFFICIAL THEREOF FOR
   26  CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, MOVING OR
   27  DEMOLITION OF ANY PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NOR ANY CONTRACT WITH A  CONTRAC-
   28  TOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR WHICH IS PART OF SUCH PROJECT; OR ANY SUCH CONTRACT
   29  THE  PURPOSE  OF  WHICH IS THE CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION,
   30  REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, MOVING OR DEMOLITION OF AN INDIVIDUAL ONE,  TWO  OR
   31  THREE  FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OR A RESIDENTIAL TRACT DEVELOPMENT OF
   32  ONE HUNDRED FIFTY OR LESS ONE OR TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS, OR  ANY  RESIDEN-
   33  TIAL  CONSTRUCTION  PROJECT  WHERE THE AGGREGATE SIZE OF SUCH PROJECT IS
   34  NINE THOUSAND SQUARE FEET OR LESS, OR ANY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT  OF  FEWER
   35  THAN  ONE  HUNDRED  FIFTY UNITS WHICH RECEIVES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM
   36  THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE STATE OR A  MUNICIPAL  ENTITY  DESIGNED  FOR
   37  HOUSEHOLDS  EARNING AN AVERAGE OF ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE
   38  HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AREA MEDIAN INCOME.                
   39    2. "CONTRACTOR" MEANS  ANY  PERSON,  FIRM,  PARTNERSHIP,  CORPORATION,
   40  ASSOCIATION,   COMPANY,   ORGANIZATION  OR  OTHER  ENTITY,  INCLUDING  A
   41  CONSTRUCTION MANAGER, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF, WHICH  ENTERS  INTO  A
   42  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH AN OWNER.                                    
   43    3.  "OWNER" MEANS ANY PERSON, FIRM, PARTNERSHIP, CORPORATION, COMPANY,
   44  ASSOCIATION OR OTHER ORGANIZATION OR OTHER ENTITY, OR A  COMBINATION  OF
   45  ANY THEREOF, (WITH AN OWNERSHIP INTEREST, WHETHER THE INTEREST OR ESTATE
   46  IS  IN FEE, AS VENDEE UNDER A CONTRACT TO PURCHASE, AS LESSEE OR ANOTHER
   47  INTEREST OR ESTATE LESS THAN FEE) THAT CAUSES A BUILDING,  STRUCTURE  OR
   48  IMPROVEMENT,  NEW  OR  EXISTING,  TO  BE CONSTRUCTED, ALTERED, REPAIRED,
   49  MAINTAINED, MOVED OR DEMOLISHED OR THAT CAUSES LAND TO BE  EXCAVATED  OR
   50  OTHERWISE DEVELOPED OR IMPROVED.                                        
   51    4.  "SUBCONTRACTOR"  MEANS ANY PERSON, FIRM, PARTNERSHIP, CORPORATION,
   52  COMPANY, ASSOCIATION, ORGANIZATION OR OTHER ENTITY, OR  ANY  COMBINATION
   53  THEREOF,  WHICH  IS  A  PARTY TO A CONTRACT WITH A CONTRACTOR OR ANOTHER
   54  SUBCONTRACTOR TO PERFORM A PORTION OF WORK PURSUANT  TO  A  CONSTRUCTION
   55  CONTRACT.                                                               
                                                                               
       A. 11526--B                         3                                   
                                                                               
    1    5.  "MATERIAL  SUPPLIER"  MEANS  ANY PERSON, FIRM, PARTNERSHIP, CORPO-
    2  RATION, COMPANY, ASSOCIATION, OR OTHER ORGANIZATION OR  ENTITY,  OR  ANY
    3  COMBINATION  THEREOF,  WHICH  IS  PARTY  TO  A  CONTRACT  WITH AN OWNER,
    4  CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR, FOR THE PROVISION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
    5  AND/OR EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO THE COMPLETION OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.
    6    6.  "NOTICE."  ANY  NOTICE  BY  THE OWNER, CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR
    7  UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE  AND  REPUTABLE  OVERNIGHT
    8  COURIER AND SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE SENT.                 
    9    S  756-A. OBLIGATIONS.   EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE,
   10  THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SHALL SUPERSEDE  THE
   11  PROVISIONS  OF THIS ARTICLE AND GOVERN THE CONDUCT OF THE PARTIES THERE-
   12  TO.                                                                     
   13    1. BILLING CYCLE. THE PARTIES TO A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT MAY, BY MUTU-
   14  AL AGREEMENT, ESTABLISH A BILLING CYCLE FOR THE SUBMISSION  OF  INVOICES
   15  REQUESTING  PAYMENT  FOR  WORK  PERFORMED  PURSUANT  TO  A  CONSTRUCTION
   16  CONTRACT. IN THE ABSENCE OF AN AGREEMENT BY THE PARTIES AS TO THE  BILL-
   17  ING  CYCLE,  THE  BILLING CYCLE SHALL BE THE CALENDAR MONTH WITHIN WHICH
   18  THE WORK IS PERFORMED.                                                  
   19    2. INVOICES. (A) A CONTRACTOR SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INVOICE  THE  OWNER
   20  FOR INTERIM PAYMENTS AT THE END OF THE BILLING CYCLE. A CONTRACTOR SHALL
   21  BE  ENTITLED  TO  SUBMIT  A  FINAL  INVOICE FOR PAYMENT IN FULL UPON THE
   22  PERFORMANCE OF ALL THE CONTRACTOR`S OBLIGATION UNDER THE CONTRACT.      
   23    (I) UPON  DELIVERY  OF  AN  INVOICE  AND  ALL  CONTRACTUALLY  REQUIRED
   24  DOCUMENTATION,  AN OWNER SHALL APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE ALL OR A PORTION OF
   25  SUCH INVOICE WITHIN TWELVE BUSINESS DAYS.  OWNER  APPROVAL  OF  INVOICES
   26  SHALL  NOT  BE  UNREASONABLY  WITHHELD  NOR SHALL AN OWNER, IN BAD FAITH
   27  DISAPPROVE ALL OR A PORTION OF AN  INVOICE.  IF  AN  OWNER  DECLINES  TO
   28  APPROVE  AN  INVOICE  OR  A PORTION THEREOF, IT MUST PREPARE AND ISSUE A
   29  WRITTEN STATEMENT DESCRIBING THOSE ITEMS IN THE  INVOICE  THAT  ARE  NOT
   30  APPROVED.  AN  OWNER  MAY DECLINE TO APPROVE AN INVOICE OR PORTION OF AN
   31  INVOICE FOR:                                                            
   32    (1) UNSATISFACTORY OR DISPUTED JOB PROGRESS;                          
   33    (2) DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION WORK OR MATERIAL NOT REMEDIED;             
   34    (3) DISPUTED WORK MATERIALS;                                          
   35    (4)  FAILURE  TO  COMPLY  WITH  OTHER  MATERIAL  PROVISIONS   OF   THE
   36  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT;                                                  
   37    (5)  FAILURE  OF  THE  CONTRACTOR  TO  MAKE  TIMELY PAYMENTS FOR LABOR
   38  INCLUDING COLLECTIVELY BARGAINED FRINGE BENEFIT  CONTRIBUTIONS,  PAYROLL
   39  TAXES  AND  INSURANCE,  EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, DAMAGE TO THE OWNER, OR
   40  REASONABLE EVIDENCE THAT THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT CANNOT  BE  COMPLETED
   41  FOR THE UNPAID BALANCE OF THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SUM; OR             
   42    (6) FAILURE OF THE OWNER`S ARCHITECT TO CERTIFY PAYMENT FOR ANY OR ALL
   43  OF  THE  REASONS  SET  FORTH  IN THIS SECTION SO LONG AS THE REASONS ARE
   44  INCLUDED IN THE OWNER`S WRITTEN STATEMENT OF DISAPPROVAL.               
   45    (II) UPON DELIVERY  OF  AN  INVOICE  AND  ALL  CONTRACTUALLY  REQUIRED
   46  DOCUMENTATION, A CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE
   47  ALL OR A PORTION OF SUCH INVOICE WITHIN TWELVE BUSINESS DAYS. CONTRACTOR
   48  AND  SUBCONTRACTOR  APPROVAL OF INVOICES SHALL NOT BE UNREASONABLY WITH-
   49  HELD NOR SHALL A CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR, IN BAD  FAITH,  DISAPPROVE
   50  ALL  OR  A PORTION OF AN INVOICE. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PROHIBIT
   51  THE CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR, AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION TO THE OWNER
   52  OR CONTRACTOR,  FROM  WITHHOLDING  SUCH  APPLICATION  TO  THE  OWNER  OR
   53  CONTRACTOR FOR PAYMENT TO THE SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER FOR:   
   54    (1) UNSATISFACTORY OR DISPUTED JOB PROGRESS;                          
   55    (2) DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION WORK OR MATERIAL NOT REMEDIED;             
   56    (3) DISPUTED WORK;                                                    
                                                                               
       A. 11526--B                         4                                   
                                                                               
    1    (4)   FAILURE   TO  COMPLY  WITH  OTHER  MATERIAL  PROVISIONS  OF  THE
    2  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT; OR                                               
    3    (5)  FAILURE  OF  THE  SUBCONTRACTOR TO MAKE TIMELY PAYMENTS FOR LABOR
    4  INCLUDING COLLECTIVELY BARGAINED FRINGE BENEFIT  CONTRIBUTIONS;  PAYROLL
    5  TAXES  AND  INSURANCE,  EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, DAMAGE TO CONTRACTOR OR
    6  ANOTHER SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER, OR REASONABLE EVIDENCE  THAT
    7  THE  SUBCONTRACT  CANNOT  BE  COMPLETED  FOR  THE  UNPAID BALANCE OF THE
    8  SUBCONTRACT SUM.                                                        
    9    (B) NOTHING IN THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL AUTHORIZE THE WITHHOLDING OF  AN
   10  APPLICATION  TO THE OWNER OR CONTRACTOR FOR THE PAYMENT TO A SUBCONTRAC-
   11  TOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER WHEN DUE TO A DELAY  IN  JOB  PROGRESS  BY  THE
   12  OWNER,  CONTRACTOR  OR  ANOTHER SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER OTHER
   13  THAN THE APPLICANT OR APPLICANT`S SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER.   
   14    3. PAYMENT. (A) THE OWNER`S PAYMENT  OF  A  CONTRACTOR`S  INTERIM  AND
   15  FINAL  INVOICES SHALL BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF A DULY APPROVED INVOICE OF
   16  WORK PERFORMED AND THE MATERIAL SUPPLIED DURING THE BILLING CYCLE.      
   17    (I) UNLESS THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE PROVIDE OTHERWISE, THE OWNER
   18  SHALL PAY THE CONTRACTOR STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE  TERMS  OF  THE
   19  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.                                                  
   20    (II)  UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES, PAYMENT OF AN INTERIM
   21  OR FINAL INVOICE SHALL BE DUE FROM THE OWNER NOT LATER THAN THIRTY  DAYS
   22  AFTER APPROVAL OF THE INVOICE.                                          
   23    (III)  IF  PAYMENT  BY  THE  OWNER IS CONTINGENT UPON LENDER APPROVAL,
   24  PAYMENT OF A CONTRACTOR`S INTERIM OR FINAL INVOICE OR THE AMOUNT OF LOAN
   25  PROCEEDS DISBURSED BY THE LENDER FOR PAYMENT OF THE CONTRACTOR`S INTERIM
   26  OR FINAL INVOICE SHALL BE DUE FROM THE OWNER SEVEN DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY
   27  THE OWNER OF GOOD FUNDS EXCEPT WHERE THE  PROVISIONS  OF  SECTION  SEVEN
   28  HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-D OF THIS ARTICLE APPLIES.                            
   29    (IV) AN OWNER MAY WITHHOLD FROM AN INTERIM PAYMENT ONLY AN AMOUNT THAT
   30  IS SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE COSTS AND EXPENSES THE OWNER REASONABLY EXPECTS
   31  TO  INCUR  IN ORDER TO CURE THE DEFECT OR CORRECT ANY ITEMS SET FORTH IN
   32  WRITING PURSUANT TO SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION TWO
   33  OF THIS SECTION, OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE, TO WITHHOLD  AN  AMOUNT  NOT  TO
   34  EXCEED  THE  LINE ITEM AMOUNT APPEARING IN THE AGREED SCHEDULE OF VALUES
   35  TOGETHER WITH ANY CHANGE ORDERS, ADDITIONS  AND/OR  DELETIONS,  IF  SUCH
   36  SCHEDULE  HAS  BEEN PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED, AND/OR AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO
   37  COVER LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AS ESTABLISHED IN AN AGREED  UPON  SCHEDULE  IN
   38  THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.                                              
   39    (B)  THE  CONTRACTOR  OR  SUBCONTRACTOR`S  PAYMENT OF SUBCONTRACTOR OR
   40  MATERIAL SUPPLIER`S INTERIM OR FINAL INVOICE SHALL BE MADE ON THE  BASIS
   41  OF  A DULY APPROVED INVOICE OF THE WORK PERFORMED AND MATERIALS SUPPLIED
   42  DURING THE BILLING CYCLE.                                               
   43    (I) UNLESS THE PROVISIONS  OF  THIS  ARTICLE  PROVIDE  OTHERWISE,  THE
   44  CONTRACTOR  OR  SUBCONTRACTOR  SHALL  PAY  THE SUBCONTRACTOR STRICTLY IN
   45  ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. PERFORMANCE BY A
   46  SUBCONTRACTOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF  ITS  CONTRACT  SHALL
   47  ENTITLE  IT  TO PAYMENT FROM THE PARTY WITH WHICH IT CONTRACTS. NOTWITH-
   48  STANDING THIS ARTICLE, WHERE A CONTRACTOR  ENTERS  INTO  A  CONSTRUCTION
   49  CONTRACT  WITH  A  SUBCONTRACTOR  AS  AGENT  FOR  A DISCLOSED OWNER, THE
   50  PAYMENT OBLIGATION SHALL FLOW DIRECTLY FROM THE DISCLOSED OWNER AS PRIN-
   51  CIPAL TO THE SUBCONTRACTOR AND THROUGH THE AGENT.                       
   52    (II) WHEN  A  SUBCONTRACTOR  HAS  PERFORMED  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE
   53  PROVISIONS OF ITS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PAY TO THE
   54  SUBCONTRACTOR,  AND  EACH SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL IN TURN PAY TO ITS SUBCON-
   55  TRACTORS, THE FULL OR PROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF FUNDS  RECEIVED  FROM  THE
   56  OWNER  FOR  EACH  SUBCONTRACTOR`S  WORK  AND  MATERIALS BASED ON WORK OR
                                                                               
       A. 11526--B                         5                                   
                                                                               
    1  SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THE  CONSTRUCTION  CONTRACT,  SEVEN  DAYS  AFTER
    2  RECEIPT  OF  GOOD  FUNDS FOR EACH INTERIM OR FINAL PAYMENT, PROVIDED ALL
    3  CONTRACTUALLY REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND WAIVERS ARE RECEIVED.          
    4    (III) A CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR MAY WITHHOLD AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM
    5  AN OWNER IN CONNECTION WITH AN INTERIM PAYMENT DUE TO A SUBCONTRACTOR OR
    6  MATERIAL  SUPPLIER  ONLY SUCH SUMS THAT ARE SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE DIRECT
    7  EXPENSES AS ARE REASONABLE TO CORRECT DEFICIENCIES  IDENTIFIED  PURSUANT
    8  TO  SUBPARAGRAPH  (II)  OF  PARAGRAPH  (A)  OF  SUBDIVISION  TWO OF THIS
    9  SECTION, OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE, TO WITHHOLD AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED  THE
   10  LINE  ITEM  AMOUNT  APPEARING IN THE AGREED SCHEDULE OF VALUES, TOGETHER
   11  WITH ANY CHANGE ORDER, ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS, IF SUCH SCHEDULE HAS BEEN
   12  PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED, AND/OR AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT  TO  COVER  LIQUIDATED
   13  DAMAGES  AS  ESTABLISHED  IN AN AGREED UPON SCHEDULE IN THE CONSTRUCTION
   14  CONTRACT.                                                               
   15    (IV) IF A CONTRACTOR, AFTER SUBMITTING AN INVOICE TO AN OWNER UNDER  A
   16  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, BUT BEFORE MAKING A PAYMENT TO A SUBCONTRACTOR OR
   17  MATERIAL   SUPPLIER  FOR  THE  SUBCONTRACTOR`S  OR  MATERIAL  SUPPLIER`S
   18  PERFORMANCE COVERED BY SUCH INVOICE, DISCOVERS THAT ALL OR A PORTION  OF
   19  THE  PAYMENT  OTHERWISE DUE TO THE SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER IS
   20  SUBJECT TO WITHHOLDING FROM THE SUBCONTRACTOR OR  MATERIAL  SUPPLIER  IN
   21  ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH
   22  IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II)  OF  PARAGRAPH  (A)  OF  SUBDIVISION  TWO  OF  THIS
   23  SECTION, THEN THE CONTRACTOR SHALL:                                     
   24    (1)  AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE UPON ASCERTAINING THE CAUSE GIVING RISE TO
   25  A WITHHOLDING, BUT PRIOR TO THE DUE DATE FOR A SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL
   26  SUPPLIER PAYMENT, FURNISH TO THE SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER  AND
   27  THE  OWNER WRITTEN NOTICE OF WITHHOLDING SPECIFYING CONDITIONS FOR WITH-
   28  HOLDING PAYMENT AND IDENTIFYING THE AMOUNT TO BE WITHHELD;              
   29    (2) REDUCE THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER`S INTERIM  PAYMENT
   30  BY  AN  AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE AMOUNT SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE OF WITH-
   31  HOLDING; AND                                                            
   32    (3) PAY THE SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER AMOUNTS WITHHELD WITHIN
   33  SEVEN DAYS AFTER CORRECTION OF THE IDENTIFIED SUBCONTRACTOR OR  MATERIAL
   34  SUPPLIER  PERFORMANCE  DEFICIENCY AND RECEIPT OF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTA-
   35  TION AND WAIVERS, UNLESS THE FUNDS THEREFORE MUST BE OBTAINED  FROM  THE
   36  OWNER`S  NEXT  INTERIM  PAYMENT  DUE  TO A REDUCTION IN THE CONTRACTOR`S
   37  BILLING DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S OR MATERIAL  SUPPLI-
   38  ER`S PERFORMANCE DEFICIENCY IDENTIFIED IN THE NOTICE OF WITHHOLDING.    
   39    (C)  A  WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY WITHHOLDING UNDER THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL
   40  BE ISSUED TO A SUBCONTRACTOR OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER SPECIFYING:           
   41    (I) THE AMOUNT TO BE WITHHELD;                                        
   42    (II) THE SPECIFIC CAUSES  FOR  WITHHOLDING  UNDER  THE  TERMS  OF  THE
   43  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION;                 
   44    (III)  THE REMEDIAL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO BE TAKEN BY THE SUBCONTRACTOR
   45  OR MATERIAL SUPPLIER IN ORDER TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS OF THE  AMOUNTS  WITH-
   46  HELD; AND                                                               
   47    (IV) THE DOCUMENTATION AND WAIVERS REQUIRED.                          
   48    4.  NOTICE.  A CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL DISCLOSE TO A SUBCON-
   49  TRACTOR, AT THE TIME THE CONSTRUCTION SUBCONTRACT IS ENTERED  INTO,  THE
   50  DUE DATE FOR RECEIPT OF PAYMENTS TO THE CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR FROM
   51  THE  OWNER  OR  THE  CONTRACTOR  AS  THE CASE MAY BE. IF A CONTRACTOR OR
   52  SUBCONTRACTOR FAILS TO ACCURATELY DISCLOSE THE DUE DATE TO A SUBCONTRAC-
   53  TOR, THE CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR  SHALL  BE  OBLIGATED  TO  PAY  THE
   54  SUBCONTRACTOR  AS  THOUGH THE DUE DATES ESTABLISHED IN PARAGRAPH  (A) OF
   55  SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION WERE MET BY THE  OWNER.  IN  ADDITION,
   56  UPON  WRITTEN REQUEST OF A SUBCONTRACTOR, THE OWNER SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE
                                                                               
       A. 11526--B                         6                                   
                                                                               
    1  TO SUCH SUBCONTRACTOR WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF MAKING ANY  INTERIM  OR  FINAL
    2  PAYMENT  TO  THE CONTRACTOR. THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S REQUEST SHALL REMAIN IN
    3  EFFECT FOR THE DURATION OF THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S WORK ON THE PROJECT.     
    4    S  756-B.  REMEDIES.  1.  (A)  IF  ANY  INTERIM  OR FINAL PAYMENT TO A
    5  CONTRACTOR IS DELAYED BEYOND THE DUE DATE ESTABLISHED IN  PARAGRAPH  (A)
    6  OF  SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS ARTI-
    7  CLE, THE OWNER SHALL PAY THE CONTRACTOR INTEREST BEGINNING ON  THE  NEXT
    8  DAY  AT  THE RATE OF ONE PERCENT PER MONTH OR FRACTION OF A MONTH ON THE
    9  UNPAID BALANCE, OR AT A HIGHER RATE  CONSISTENT  WITH  THE  CONSTRUCTION
   10  CONTRACT.                                                               
   11    (B)  NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  CONTRARY AGREEMENT, IF ANY INTERIM OR FINAL
   12  PAYMENT TO A SUBCONTRACTOR IS DELAYED BEYOND THE DUE DATE ESTABLISHED IN
   13  PARAGRAPH (B) OF SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED  FIFTY-SIX-A
   14  OF  THIS  ARTICLE  THE CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL PAY ITS SUBCON-
   15  TRACTOR INTEREST, BEGINNING ON THE NEXT DAY, AT THE RATE OF ONE  PERCENT
   16  A  MONTH  OR  FRACTION  OF A MONTH ON THE UNPAID BALANCE, OR AT A HIGHER
   17  RATE CONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.                         
   18    2. (A) (I) IF AN OWNER FAILS TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE AN INVOICE WITH-
   19  IN THE TIME LIMITS ESTABLISHED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF PARAGRAPH  (A)  OF
   20  SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS ARTICLE, OR
   21  TO  PAY  THE  CONTRACTOR  THE  UNDISPUTED INVOICE AMOUNT WITHIN THE TIME
   22  LIMITS PROVIDED BY PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION THREE OF  SECTION  SEVEN
   23  HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS ARTICLE, THE CONTRACTOR MAY SUSPEND CONTRAC-
   24  TUALLY  REQUIRED  PERFORMANCE,  ONLY  AFTER  PROVIDING THE OWNER WRITTEN
   25  NOTICE AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO CURE CONSISTENT WITH SUBPARAGRAPH  (II)  OF
   26  THIS PARAGRAPH.                                                         
   27    (II) A CONTRACTOR INTENDING TO SUSPEND PERFORMANCE ON THE CONSTRUCTION
   28  CONTRACT  FOR  FAILURE OF THE OWNER TO MAKE TIMELY PAYMENTS OR APPROVALS
   29  WITHIN THE TIME LIMITS PROVIDED BY THIS ARTICLE MUST PROVIDE  THE  OWNER
   30  WRITTEN  NOTICE  AT  LEAST  TEN  CALENDAR  DAYS  BEFORE THE CONTRACTOR`S
   31  INTENDED SUSPENSION. SUCH NOTICE SHALL:                                 
   32    (A) INFORM THE OWNER THAT PAYMENT FOR UNDISPUTED INVOICE AMOUNTS  HAVE
   33  NOT BEEN RECEIVED; AND                                                  
   34    (B)  STATE  THE  INTENT  OF  THE CONTRACTOR TO SUSPEND PERFORMANCE FOR
   35  NON-PAYMENT.                                                            
   36  IF AFTER THE TENTH CALENDAR DAY FOLLOWING WRITTEN NOTICE THE  OWNER  HAS
   37  NOT CURED THE DEFICIENCY, THE CONTRACTOR MAY SUSPEND PERFORMANCE.       
   38    (III)  A  CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT BE DEEMED IN BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION
   39  CONTRACT FOR SUSPENDING PERFORMANCE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.           
   40    (B)(I) A SUBCONTRACTOR MAY SUSPEND CONTRACTUALLY REQUIRED  PERFORMANCE
   41  IF ANY OR ALL OF THE OCCURRENCES OUTLINED IN CLAUSES (A), (B) AND (C) OF
   42  THIS  SUBPARAGRAPH  OCCUR AND ONLY AFTER PROVIDING WRITTEN NOTICE AND AN
   43  OPPORTUNITY TO CURE CONSISTENT WITH SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS PARAGRAPH:
   44    (A) IF AN OWNER FAILS TO MAKE TIMELY PAYMENTS FOR UNDISPUTED  INVOICES
   45  WITHIN THE TIME LIMITS ESTABLISHED BY SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION SEVEN
   46  HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS ARTICLE FOR THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S WORK AND THE
   47  CONTRACTOR ALSO FAILS TO PAY THE SUBCONTRACTOR FOR THE APPROVED WORK;   
   48    (B) IF AN OWNER PAYS THE CONTRACTOR WITHIN THE TIME LIMITS ESTABLISHED
   49  BY  SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS ARTI-
   50  CLE FOR UNDISPUTED INVOICES FOR WORK PERFORMED BY THE SUBCONTRACTOR  BUT
   51  THE  CONTRACTOR  FAILS  TO  MAKE PAYMENT TO THE SUBCONTRACTOR WITHIN THE
   52  TIME FRAMES ESTABLISHED BY THIS ARTICLE FOR THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S WORK;   
   53    (C) IF AN OWNER FAILS TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE A PORTION  OF  CONTRAC-
   54  TOR`S  INVOICE  FOR  WORK PERFORMED BY THE SUBCONTRACTOR WITHIN THE TIME
   55  LIMITS ESTABLISHED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION  SEVEN
   56  HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS ARTICLE;                                    
                                                                               
       A. 11526--B                         7                                   
                                                                               
    1    (D)  IF A CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR FAILS TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE A
    2  SUBCONTRACTOR`S INVOICE WITHIN THE TIME LIMITS ESTABLISHED IN  PARAGRAPH
    3  (B)  OF  SUBDIVISION  THREE OF SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS
    4  ARTICLE; OR                                                             
    5    (E)  IF AN OWNER FAILS TO APPROVE PORTIONS OF THE CONTRACTORS` BILLING
    6  FOR WORK PERFORMED BY THE SUBCONTRACTOR WITHIN THE  TIME  LIMITS  ESTAB-
    7  LISHED  BY  THIS  ARTICLE  AND  THE REASONS FOR SUCH FAILURE ARE NOT THE
    8  FAULT OF OR DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S WORK.               
    9    (II) A SUBCONTRACTOR INTENDING TO SUSPEND PERFORMANCE FOR  FAILURE  TO
   10  RECEIVE  TIMELY  PAYMENTS WITHIN THE TIME LIMITS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO
   11  THIS ARTICLE MUST PROVIDE BOTH THE  OWNER  AND  THE  CONTRACTOR  WRITTEN
   12  NOTICE  AT  LEAST  TEN CALENDAR DAYS BEFORE THE SUBCONTRACTOR`S INTENDED
   13  SUSPENSION. SUCH NOTICE SHALL:                                          
   14    (A) INFORM THE OWNER AND THE CONTRACTOR THAT  PAYMENT  FOR  UNDISPUTED
   15  BILLING AMOUNTS HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED; AND                             
   16    (B)  STATE  THE  INTENT  OF  THE CONTRACTOR TO SUSPEND PERFORMANCE FOR
   17  NON-PAYMENT.                                                            
   18    IF AFTER THE TENTH CALENDAR DAY FOLLOWING WRITTEN  NOTICE  EITHER  THE
   19  OWNER  OR THE CONTRACTOR HAS NOT CURED THE DEFICIENCY, THE SUBCONTRACTOR
   20  MAY SUSPEND PERFORMANCE.                                                
   21    (III)  A  SUBCONTRACTOR  SHALL  NOT  BE  DEEMED  IN  BREACH   OF   THE
   22  CONSTRUCTION  CONTRACT  FOR  SUSPENDING  PERFORMANCE  PURSUANT  TO  THIS
   23  SECTION.                                                                
   24    (IV) (A) A CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR THAT  SUSPENDS  PERFORMANCE  AS
   25  PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO FURNISH FURTHER LABOR,
   26  MATERIALS  OR SERVICES UNTIL THE CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR IS PAID THE
   27  UNDISPUTED INVOICE AMOUNT AT THE TIME PERIOD FOR COMPLETION AS  PROVIDED
   28  IN  THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. ALL OF THE TIME FRAMES ESTABLISHED WITHIN
   29  THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT OF A  CONTRACTOR  OR  SUBCONTRACTOR  SHALL  BE
   30  EXTENDED  FOR  THE  LENGTH OF TIME PERFORMANCE WAS SUSPENDED. PAYMENT OF
   31  DOCUMENTED ACTUAL COSTS  INCURRED  FOR  RE-MOBILIZATION  RESULTING  FROM
   32  SUSPENSION SHALL BE NEGOTIATED BETWEEN THE PARTIES.                     
   33    (B) IN THE EVENT OF SUSPENSION OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, AS PROVIDED
   34  IN THIS ARTICLE, ALL MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
   35  AND  MACHINERY  LOCATED AT THE JOB SITE SHALL REMAIN THE SOLE AND EXCLU-
   36  SIVE PROPERTY OF THE CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR AND  SHALL  BE  REMOVED
   37  FROM  THE  JOB  SITE,  IF NECESSARY, WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME.
   38  ACCESS TO THE CONTRACTOR`S OR  SUBCONTRACTOR`S  PROPERTY  SHALL  NOT  BE
   39  UNREASONABLY WITHHELD.                                                  
   40    S  756-C.  RETENTION.   BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT OF THE RELEVANT PARTIES AN
   41  OWNER MAY RETAIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRACT SUM AS RETAINAGE. A
   42  CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR MAY ALSO  RETAIN  A  REASONABLE  AMOUNT  FOR
   43  RETAINAGE  SO  LONG  AS THE AMOUNT DOES NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PERCENTAGE
   44  RETAINED BY THE OWNER. RETAINAGE SHALL BE RELEASED BY THE OWNER  TO  THE
   45  CONTRACTOR  NO  LATER  THAN  THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE FINAL APPROVAL OF THE
   46  WORK UNDER A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. IN THE EVENT THAT AN OWNER FAILS  TO
   47  RELEASE  RETAINAGE  AS  REQUIRED  BY  THIS ARTICLE, OR THE CONTRACTOR OR
   48  SUBCONTRACTOR FAILS TO RELEASE A PROPORTIONATE AMOUNT  OF  RETAINAGE  TO
   49  THE  RELEVANT  PARTIES  AFTER  RECEIPT  OF RETAINAGE FROM THE OWNER, THE
   50  OWNER, CONTRACTOR, OR SUBCONTRACTOR,  AS  THE  CASE  MAY  BE,  SHALL  BE
   51  SUBJECT  TO THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST AT THE RATE OF ONE PERCENT PER MONTH
   52  ON THE DATE RETENTION WAS DUE AND OWING.                                
   53    S 756-D. EXCEPTIONS FOR FAILURE OF LENDER TO DISBURSE FUNDS. THE  DATE
   54  OF  PAYMENT  REQUIRED  BY THE OWNER, THE CONTRACTOR AND/OR SUBCONTRACTOR
   55  PURSUANT TO SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-A OF THIS ARTICLE, SHALL  BE
   56  EXTENDED  TO  THE SEVENTH DAY AFTER THE OWNER, CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRAC-
                                                                               
       A. 11526--B                         8                                   
                                                                               
    1  TOR, AS THE CASE MAY BE, RECEIVES LOAN PROCEEDS NECESSARY TO  MAKE  SUCH
    2  PAYMENT IN THE EVENT THAT:                                              
    3    1.  THE  OWNER,  CONTRACTOR  OR SUBCONTRACTOR, AS THE CASE MAY BE, HAS
    4  OBTAINED A LOAN INTENDED TO PAY FOR ALL  OR  PART  OF  THE  CONSTRUCTION
    5  CONTRACT;                                                               
    6    2.  THE  OWNER,  CONTRACTOR  OR SUBCONTRACTOR, AS THE CASE MAY BE, HAS
    7  TIMELY REQUESTED DISBURSEMENT OF PROCEEDS FROM THAT LOAN; AND           
    8    3. THE LENDER IS LEGALLY OBLIGATED TO DISBURSE SUCH  PROCEEDS  TO  THE
    9  OWNER,  CONTRACTOR  OR SUBCONTRACTOR, AS THE CASE MAY BE, BUT HAS FAILED
   10  TO DO SO IN  A TIMELY MANNER.                                           
   11    S 756-E. EXCEPTIONS FOR LOWER MANHATTAN RECONSTRUCTION. THE PROVISIONS
   12  OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY CONSTRUCTION  CONTRACTS  FOR  THE
   13  RECONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION, MOVING OR DEMOLITION OF ANY BUILDING, STRUC-
   14  TURE OR IMPROVEMENT, OR RELATING TO THE EXCAVATION OF OR ANY DEVELOPMENT
   15  OR IMPROVEMENT TO LAND IN AND AROUND THE WORLD TRADE CENTER NECESSITATED
   16  BY  THE  SEPTEMBER  ELEVENTH,  TWO THOUSAND ONE TERRORIST ATTACK ON SUCH
   17  CENTER.                                                                 
   18    S 757. VOID  PROVISIONS.  THE  FOLLOWING  PROVISIONS  OF  CONSTRUCTION
   19  CONTRACTS SHALL BE VOID AND UNENFORCEABLE:                              
   20    1. A PROVISION, COVENANT, CLAUSE OR UNDERSTANDING IN, COLLATERAL TO OR
   21  AFFECTING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A CONTRACT WITH
   22  A  MATERIAL  SUPPLIER,  THAT  MAKES  THE CONTRACT SUBJECT TO THE LAWS OF
   23  ANOTHER STATE OR THAT REQUIRES  ANY  LITIGATION,  ARBITRATION  OR  OTHER
   24  DISPUTE  RESOLUTION PROCEEDING ARISING FROM THE CONTRACT TO BE CONDUCTED
   25  IN ANOTHER STATE.                                                       
   26    2. A PROVISION, COVENANT, CLAUSE OR UNDERSTANDING IN, COLLATERAL TO OR
   27  AFFECTING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT STATING THAT A PARTY TO  THE  CONTRACT
   28  CANNOT  SUSPEND  PERFORMANCE  UNDER THE CONTRACT IF ANOTHER PARTY TO THE
   29  CONTRACT FAILS TO MAKE PROMPT PAYMENTS UNDER THE CONTRACT.              
   30    S 758. SEVERABILITY. IF ANY CLAUSE, SENTENCE,  PARAGRAPH,  SUBDIVISION
   31  OR  PART  OF  THIS  ARTICLE, OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO ANY PERSON OR
   32  CIRCUMSTANCE, SHALL BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF  COMPETENT  JURISDICTION
   33  TO  BE  INVALID  OR  UNCONSTITUTIONAL,  SUCH  JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT,
   34  IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER THEREOF, BUT SHALL BE CONFINED IN ITS
   35  OPERATION TO THE CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH,  SUBDIVISION  OR  PART  OF
   36  THIS  ARTICLE,  OR  IN  ITS  APPLICATION  TO THE PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE,
   37  DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CONTROVERSY IN WHICH SUCH JUDGMENT  SHALL  HAVE
   38  BEEN RENDERED.                                                          
   39    S 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
   40  it  shall  have  become  a law and shall apply to construction contracts
   41  entered into on or after such date unless the construction  contract  is
   42  entered  into  as  part  of a construction project for which a permit or
   43  permits have been issued and work has begun on such  projects  prior  to
   44  the effective date of this act.                                         
.SO DOC A 11526B        *END*                    BTXT                 2001     

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